Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

B eta Beta Chapter has long been a foundation for friendship, leadership, and personal growth. For alumnae Kate Sur Herz '89 and Christine Sur Dalton '85, Alpha Phi was transformative, shaping their personal and professional lives. Their commitment to helping Alpha Phi foster future leaders is evident through generous support of the Beta Beta Leadership Fund, a program designed to equip our young women with essential leadership skills. THE BETA BETA EXPERIENCE Christine recalls the moment she knew Alpha Phi was the right place for her. "There was a palpable difference when I walked in the door! Alpha Phi was a collection of true individuals who shared a special friendship and sisterhood bond," she says. Kate, who followed in her sister's footsteps by attending Michigan State, also felt an immediate connection. "I kept an open mind during recruitment but really connected with the girls in BB. I knew it was the right house for me." Christine fondly remembers braving the cold in March to tan on the roof before spring break. "It was probably still 50 degrees—but just tolerable on the black asphalt of the roof!" she said. Kate treasures the friendships she formed while living in the house for two years. "Switching roommates every term allowed me to form very close friendships. I also loved participating in Greek Week and our annual charity events." Both women pursued careers in communications after earning their degrees from MSU. Christine went on to work in marketing and consulting while Kate built a career in government relations and public relations before pursuing their MBAs. Their shared experiences in Alpha Phi gave them the confidence to navigate the professional world. "Alpha Phi provided me with unparalleled exposure to leadership experience," Christine explained. "I learned how to bring people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints together to get things done!" THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW Their desire to give back led the women to support the Beta Beta Leadership Fund, an initiative designed to prepare young women for life after college. "The goals of the Leadership Program are strongly aligned with the goals of our family foundation, so it seemed like an obvious decision to support it," Christine said. Kate echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for practical leadership training. "I think receiving practical skills and advice for 'what is next' is critical for young women to be competitive." The fund provides crucial leadership programming to equip Beta Beta members with transferable skills for their post-graduate endeavors. "Whether it be professional life, graduate study, or something else, they will be better equipped for impact and purpose," Christine explained. Kate added, "Understanding your post-graduate choices, setting goals, and feeling confident in having the skills needed to achieve them is worth a lot." Kate and Christine's commitment to Alpha Phi extends beyond their years at MSU, and they hope other alumnae will join them in giving back. "Alpha Phi provided a jumping-off point for so much personal development for both of us, and it is a pleasure and honor to pay it forward." Christine recently relocated to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with her husband, where she works as a management consultant. She has three young adult children and spends her free time reading, cooking, traveling, and exploring her new community. You can reach her at cmdalton66@gmail.com. Kate lives in Westfield, N. J., and has two young adult daughters. She and her husband both work remotely and travel often to visit family and explore potential cities for their next move. Contact her by email at catherineherz@verizon.net. The Ivy 3 1 Build a strong executive board through comprehensive training on governing documents, chapter fundamentals, and available resources, while also prioritizing succession planning to identify and retain emerging leaders. 2 Enhance the membership experience. Beta Beta has used chapter input to plan interactive, competitive, and engaging events that ensure all members feel connected and valued. 3 Improve chapter communication by developing a clear and accessible semester calendar. Chapter updates are further reinforced through weekly communication with members, officers, and advisors to keep everyone informed and involved. Chapter Goals "By investing in programs supporting leadership development, we are lifting our young members and strengthening the fraternity's foundation." –Christine Sur Dalton '85 INVESTING IN FUTURE DIFFERENCE-MAKERS Kate Sur Herz '89 Christine Sur Dalton '85 Understanding the Beta Beta Leadership Fund

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